Veteran Ghanaian actor Koo Ofori, born Samuel Seth Karikari, has been granted ₵320,000 bail by the Dansoman Circuit Court after being remanded over allegations of defrauding a U.S.-based medical doctor of $50,000 under the pretense of securing land in Accra.
The 55-year-old actor, who is best remembered for his roles in “Efiewura” drama series, is accused of collecting the money under the pretext of helping the complainant secure a parcel of land at Spintex in Accra. However, the transaction reportedly never materialised, prompting legal action.
According to court documents, Karikari failed to respond to a criminal summons issued on April 17, 2025, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest.
He was remanded last Friday but appeared again in court on Monday, May 12, where the bench warrant was rescinded.
Presiding judge Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit granted him bail in the sum of GH¢320,000 with three sureties. Two of the sureties must be backed by immovable property.
Additionally, Karikari has been instructed to deposit his Ghana Card with the court and report monthly to the police investigator handling the case.
The court is expected to resume hearing the case on June 25, 2025.
Background
The complainant, Dr. Emy Oduro-Burton, a medical practitioner domiciled in the United States, alleged that in 2021, Karikari convinced her to part with $50,000 (equivalent to GH¢309,000) for the purchase of a full plot of land measuring 70×100 feet at Spintex, Accra.
According to the facts presented by the prosecution, Dr. Oduro-Burton transferred the full amount to Karikari’s dollar account at Consolidated Bank Ghana.
Unknown to her, Karikari allegedly used part of the funds—GH¢170,000—to purchase only half a plot of land from one Kwaku Danso, a witness in the case and the rightful owner of the land.
When Dr. Oduro-Burton later returned to Ghana to inspect the property, she discovered the deception. Efforts to recover her money proved futile, prompting her to report the matter to the police. Karikari was arrested and, during interrogation, reportedly admitted the offence in his caution statement.
